Most impressive is the author's willingness to actually talk to the player; he'll explain his theories behind character's combat systems, and explain why each moves provides the result it gives and how you can correctly exploit its weakness were you the opponent.

From a layout perspective, the guide is easy to read, a breeze to flip-through, and even today it still holds up for historical references when researching changes between characters as each new sequel comes out.

That said, in reality web-sites like gamefaqs will have fan-made move lists that you could download for free rather than tracking down the book, but if you're a sucker for pretty screenshots and a heck of a fun read, track this one down in your collecting quests.

• The Guide lists the following features:
  • Detailed strategies, bios, stats, and tips for all characters
  • Winning move lists
  • Hints for defeating the CPU
  • Secret characters revealed
  • Special moves and combos
    
    
• There are advertisements for the following items:
  • Namco's Soul Blade (2 Pages)
  • Prima's GameShark Pocket Power Guide: Code Revolution (1 Page)
  • Prima's PlayStation Game Secrets: Volume 5 (1 Page)
  • Namco's Ace Combat 2 (2 Pages)
  • Namco's Treasure of the Deep (2 Pages)
    
    
• On a personal note, the book's "Thank You" section includes a reference to Namco's then Marketing Coordinator Jennifer Fitzsimmons. Jennifer was the first industry rep to give Game Rave a shot at proving ourselves years back when we were a monthly printed fanzine; she sent us a review copy of Treasures of the Deep. This helped us become partners with other companies, and eventually led me to have my job at the now defunct Interact / GameShark offices.
  
  If you're reading this Jennifer, thanks for the single act that has sent me on the wildest ride of my life. I miss you. :)